FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Martin Guitar D 42

Question:
I recently had the extreme pleasure of playing a Martin D-42. Actually I've gotten to play several now, but one in particular really stands out and I'm considering risking a divorce and buying it. But before I do I have a question I'm hoping ya'll can help with. According to the Matin catalog, the D-40, D-41 and D-42 are pretty much the same except that the D-42 has forward shifted X-bracing and fancier binding and inlays. I can live without the fancy binding and inlays, but is there a real difference in tone between the three?

Answer:
There is a difference between the sound of every guitar. Even two D-42's are gonna sound different. Only you can answer your question. You must play each of them and compare. Tone is subjective. What sounds great to me may not be the sound you're after. Trust *your* ears. And what feels comfortable to me may be wrong for you. Trust *your* hands. As for the extra $1600 costing you a divorce. Normally, a divorce will eventually cost a whole lot more than a mere 16-hundred bucks, based on my experience! Maybe the D-40 is the best choice, after all. Then again, maybe not! I'm sure you're aware that every guitar has it's own individual sound. Having said that, and owning a D-28, J12-40 and a D45, there isn't a real big difference between the D40, D41 and D42. As others have mentioned, the D42 has the forward shifted bracing, which some people say increases the liveliness and sustain. One thing I am certain of, you'll love the tone, playability, and the will last for a lifetime craftsmanship of whichever one you buy